Game machine

ABSTRACT

A second display section of a second display device is movable from an initial position to an end position. Upon starting the game, a first display device displays the symbols in motion and thereafter displays the stop symbols. Subsequently, the second display section displays the symbols in motion and displays the stop symbol. In some cases, the second display device moves. Even when there is no winning symbol combination, the player can win in accordance with the symbol combination of the first display device and the second display section. When the winning symbol combination appears after the second display section moves, the player wins the game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a game machine that determines winningor not by symbol combination on a predetermined winning line afterdisplaying the symbols in motion.

2. Explanations of the Prior Arts

There is a game machine that starts rotating its symbols upon start of agame and stops displaying the symbols in motion after a predeterminedperiod. A symbol display device is taken as an example. The symboldisplay devices with mechanical reels or electronic display device suchas a liquid crystal display (LCD) device are well known in general.

In the symbol display device with mechanical reels, plural reels havingplural kinds of symbols placed at a predetermined pitch are arranged ina line or matrix. As a game starts, each reel is rotated by acorresponding motor. When the reel is stopped the rotation at a randomtiming, at least one symbol is displayed through a display window.Meanwhile, in the symbol display device with electronic display devicelike LCD, after plural symbol images as graphic data are displayed inmotion, a still image is displayed. In this way, it is possible tosimulate to rotate and stop the symbol.

When a symbol is stopped, the win or the loss is determined inaccordance with symbol type or symbol combination on specific winninglines. In case of winning, predetermined amount of coins are paid outaccording to the type of the winning. For instance, when three reels arearranged in a straight line (including simulated symbol display) andthree symbols of each reel are displayed, a total of nine symbols aredisplayed. In this case, there is a total of five winning lines thatconsist of three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines. The playerwins the game when a predetermined winning symbol combination iscompleted on these winning lines, and therefore the corresponding amountof coins are dispensed. In the above game machine, however, the win orthe loss is predictable when two reels have stopped even if the last onereel rotating. As a result, the game does not provide sufficient appealto the player.

Meanwhile, in the game machine with symbols arranged in three rows andthree columns in matrix, a total of nine reels consisting of threehorizontal and three vertical reels are arranged accordingly. As eachreel displays only one symbol, there are additional three verticalwinning lines. This increases the player's expectation to win.

In order to increase expectation to the win, Japan Patent ApplicationNo. 2002-136733 discloses a game machine that consists of a firstdisplay device of three rows and three columns and a predeterminednumber of second display devices arranged around the first displaydevice. Each second display device is arranged on an extension of adiagonal line of the first display device. Consequently, further fouroblique winning lines are set in addition to the winning lines set bythe first display device, to increase expectation to the win.

According to the game machine with the above symbol display deviceincorporated, as the winning line is fixed, the REACH(Ready-for-winning) and the winning states remain unchanged. In terms ofvisual appeal, just adding the number of winning line is not enough toincrease the player's expectation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine in whichthe position and number of winning line are appropriately changed uponstopping displaying the symbols in motion to change the REACH and thewinning states, for amusing a player in an original manner.

To attain the above object, a game machine of the present invention hasplural first display sections to display symbols in motion and todisplay a stop symbol, at least one second display section to displaythe symbol in motion and to display the stop symbol, and a move devicethat moves the second display section around a first display device.Winning lines have a first line consisting of the first display sectionsarranged in line and a second line consisting of the first displaysections and the second display section arranged in line. Based on thecombinations of the stop symbols on the winning lines, the winningdetermine section determines the win or the loss.

Upon playing the game, a rotation display determine section determineswhether to display the symbols of the second display section in motionor not to the second display sections respectively. Further, a moveposition determine section determines the position of movement of thesecond display section.

The move device consists of a drive motor attached to one end of aholder, a first pulley attached to a drive shaft of the drive motor, asecond pulley attached to other end of the holder and a belt woundaround the first pulley and the second pulley. The second displaysection is attached to the belt and movable in a first direction alongthe first display device and a second direction opposite to the firstdirection.

It is preferable that the first display section and the second displaysection are respectively composed of a LCD device or a mechanical reel.Otherwise, it is possible to provide plural first display areas todisplay symbols in motion and to display a stop symbol and at least onesecond display area, which moves along the first display areas.

Since the number of winning line changes depending on the number and themovement of the second display sections, even if the player loses to winin the first display section, the game can maintain the player'sexpectation to the win in accordance with symbol combinations of thefirst display sections and the second display sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments when read in association with the accompanying drawings,which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitingthe present invention. In the drawings, like reference numeralsdesignate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, andwherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a slot machine according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating display windows;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating winning lines of a firstdisplay device;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating winning lines formed by thecombination of the display section of the first display device and thesecond display device when the second display sections of the seconddisplay device are at initial positions;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating winning lines formed by thecombination of the first display device and the second display devicewhen one of the display sections of the second display device is movedfrom the initial position;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating valid winning lines when twoof the second the second display sections are moved;

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating the second display device and itsmove mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a carrier of the second display section;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a carrier drive mechanism;

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating electrical structureof the slot machine;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the slot machine game;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view in which symbols of the first displaysections are displayed in motion;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view in which symbols of the first displaysections are stopped at a random timing;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view in which a winning symbol combinationappears on one of the winning line formed by the stop symbols of thefirst display sections;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view in which a winning symbol combinationdoes not appear on any winning lines by the stop symbols of the firstdisplay sections;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view in which symbols of the second displaysection is displayed in motion after the first display sections displaystop symbols;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view in which a winning symbol combinationappears on the winning line formed by the first display sections and asecond display section;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view in which a winning symbol combinationdoes not appear on any winning lines-when the second display sectiondisplays the stop symbol;

FIGS. 19-21 are explanatory views in which a winning symbol combinationappears on the winning line when the second display section is moved;

FIGS. 22, 23 are explanatory views in which a winning symbol combinationdoes not appear when the second display section is moved;

FIG. 24 is an explanatory view in which two of the second displaysections display stop symbols;

FIG. 25 is an explanatory view in which a winning symbol combinationdoes not appear on any winning lines when two of the second displaysections display stop symbols;

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view in which a winning symbol combinationappears on the winning line when two of the second display sections movethe same distance;

FIGS. 27, 28 are explanatory views in which a winning symbol combinationappears on the winning line when two of the second display sections movedifferent distances;

FIG. 29 is an explanatory view illustrating a display device with twotypes of display sections; and

FIG. 30 is a front view of a pachinko machine as another embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, a slot machine 2 has a display window 3 at thecenter. Under the display window 3, there are a start lever 4, aone-coin bet button 5, a max-coin bet button 6, a payout button 7, and acoin slot 8. After inserting a coin from the coin slot 8, a playerpresses the one-coin bet button 5 or the max-coin button 6 to bet, andoperates the start lever 4 to start the game. Otherwise, instead ofinserting a coin, it is possible to bet by using the coin stored in acredit counter (not shown). In case of winning, a predetermined amountof coins are paid out to a coin saucer 9 provided below the buttons 5-7.

As shown in FIG. 2, a first display device 15 of LCD to display symbolsis provided at the center of the display window 3. The first displaydevice 15 has nine first display sections 15 a-15 i consisting of threerows and three columns. Each first display section 15 a-15 i displaysthe symbols “1” to “9” and “0” in motion, and displays one of them as astop symbol. As for the first display device, it is not limited to theabove structure. The first display section may display a reel tosimulate the rotation of the reel. Furthermore, it is also applicable toarrange three display sections arranged in the horizontal direction inorder to display three symbols of a simulated reel in each displaysection.

A second display device 16 is arranged on the periphery of the firstdisplay device 15. The second display device 16 has four second displaysections 16 a-16 d, each of which displays the symbols “1” to “9” and“0” in motion and displays one of the symbols as the stop symbol. Eachsecond display section 16 a-16 d is movable up to three frames (eachdisplay section corresponds to one frame) from the initial position(shown by solid lines) to the end position (shown by dotted lines). Thesecond display sections 16 a and 16 c are movable in the horizontaldirection of the drawing, while the second display sections 16 b and 16d are movable in the vertical direction of the drawing. In considerationof the character of a game, the first display sections 15 a-15 i and thesecond display sections 16 a-16 d may display letters, marks,characters, and so forth. Note that, upon starting the game, the seconddisplay sections 16 a-16 d display star symbols that are unrelated tothe result of the game.

The slot machine of the present embodiment has plural first winninglines formed by three symbols of the first display sections 15 a-15 iarranged in line, and second winning lines formed by three symbols ofthe first and the second display sections arranged in line. In FIG. 3,as the first winning line, there are eight winning lines 17 a-17 hconsisting of three vertical lines, three horizontal lines, and twodiagonal lines (each shown by dotted lines). As shown in FIG. 4, whenthe second display section 16 a is at the initial position (shown by asolid line), there is a valid winning line 17 i, as the second winningline, consisting of the symbols of the first display sections 15 a and15 e and the symbol of the second display section 16 a. In the samemanner, there are winning lines 17 i-17 l consisting of the firstdisplay sections and the second display sections 16 b-16 d at theinitial positions. Thus total of twelve winning lines of eight winninglines 17 a-17 h and four winning lines 17 i-17 l are established.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which one of the second displaysections 16 a-16 d move a distance of one to three frames from theinitial position. For instance, in FIG. 5, when the second displaysection 16 d moves a distance of one frame from the initial position(the position A), the winning line 17 k of FIG. 4 becomes invalid.Instead, the horizontal winning line 17 m consisting of the symbols ofthe first display sections 15 g, 15 h and the second display section 16d, and the diagonal winning line 17 n consisting of the first displaysections 15 b, 15 d and the second display section 16 d become valid.Accordingly, in case the second display section 16 d moves a distance ofone frame, the number of winning line amounts to thirteen, which consistof the above two winning lines 17 m and 17 n, eight winning lines 17a-17 h (shown in FIG. 3), and three winning lines 17 i, 17 j, and 17 l(shown in FIG. 4).

When the second display section 16 d moves a distance of two frames fromthe initial position (the position B), the winning line 17 k of FIG. 4becomes invalid. Instead, the winning line 17 o consisting of the firstdisplay sections 15 d, 15 e and the second display section 16 d becomesvalid. Consequently, the number of winning line amounts to twelve, whichconsist of the winning line 17 o, eight winning lines 17 a-17 h (shownin FIG. 3), and three winning lines 17 i, 17 j, and 17 l (shown in FIG.4).

Furthermore, when the second display section 16 d moves a distance ofthree frames from the initial position (the position C), the winninglines 17 p and 17 q become valid. As a result, the number of winningline amounts to thirteen, which are the same when the second displaysection 16 d moves a distance of one frame. Note that the presentembodiment shows the case in which the second display section 16 d ismoved. It is the same, however, when one of other second displaysections 16 a-16 c is moved.

The number of winning line changes depending on the number and themovement of the second display sections 16 a-16 d. As shown in FIG. 6,for instance, when the adjacent second display sections 16 a and 16 dmove the distance of two frames respectively, the winning lines 17 rconsisting of the first display sections 15 b, 15 e and the seconddisplay section 16 a, the winning line 17 o consisting of the firstdisplay sections 15 d, 15 e and the second display section 16 d, and thewinning line 17 s consisting of the second display sections 16 a, 16 dand the first display section 15 a become valid. Consequently, thenumber of winning line amounts to thirteen.

The structure of the slot machine according to the above embodiment isexplained. As shown in FIG. 7, each second display section 16 a-16 d canbe moved by a predetermined number of frames by a move mechanism 20.Since the structure of the move mechanisms 20 attached to the seconddisplay section 16 a-16 d is the same, only the move mechanism of one ofthe second display section 16 a is described. Construction partsnecessary for the attachment, such as screws and nuts are omitted so asto avoid complexity of the drawing.

As shown in FIG. 7, the move mechanism 20 comprises of a carrier 21 tohold the second display section 16 a and a carrier driver 22 to move thecarrier 21. In FIG. 8, the carrier 21 has first to third brackets 25-27,four wheels 28 and a press board 30. The first bracket 25, fixed to thefront side of the third bracket 27, has an attachment portion 25 a toattach the second display section 16 a. A tongue portion 25 b disposedon the top of the first bracket 25 is used to detect the position of thefirst bracket 25. One end portion 26 a of the second bracket 26 is bentinto an approximate U-shape to be attached to a predetermined positionof the third bracket 27. The press board 30 is attached to the other endportion 26 b of the second bracket 26 to press a belt 39 (explainedlater) onto the second bracket 266. Four wheels 28 consisting of two ontop and two on bottom are attached to the rear side of the third bracket27.

As shown in FIG. 9, the carrier driver 22 comprises a hold member 35, astepping motor 36, a drive-side pulley 37, a follow-side pulley 38, thebelt 39, a guide rail 40, an initial position detectionphoto-interrupter (PI) 41 and an end position detection PI 42. The holdmember 35 with an approximate U-shaped cross section is incorporatedinside the slot machine 2. The stepping motor 36, the follow-side pulley38, the guide rail 40, the initial position detection PI 41 and the endposition detection PI 42 are attached to the hold member 35. A driveshaft 36 a of the stepping motor 36 is inserted into an opening 35 aformed in one end portion of the hold member 35. The drive-side pulley37 is attached to the drive shaft 36 a of the stepping motor 36, whilethe follow-side pulley 38 is attached to an elongated opening 35 bformed in the other end portion of the hold member 35 via a shaft member43. The elongated opening 35 b is provided so that the shaft member 43temporarily fastened to the hold member 35 can be slide while wrappingthe belt 39 around the drive-side pulley 37 and the follow-side pulley38 respectively. The guide rail 40, attached to the front side of thehold member 35, has a H-shaped section so that the wheel 28 can bemovable by rotation on rail grooves 40 a and 40 b. The initial positiondetection PI 41 is attached to the top surface of the hold member 35 viaan attachment member 44. The initial position detection PI 41 detectsthe tongue portion 25 b of the first bracket 25 when the carrier 21 isat the initial position. The stepping motor 36 stops when the carrier 21moves to the initial position. The end position detection PI 42 isattached to the top surface of the hold member 35 via an attachmentmember 45. The end position detection PI 42 detects the tongue portion25 b when the carrier 21 is at the end position. The end positiondetection PI 42 stops the operation of the stepping motor 36 when thecarrier 21 detects the tongue portion 25 b.

FIG. 10 is a functional block view illustrating electrical structure ofthe slot machine 2. The move mechanisms of the second display sections16 b-16 c are omitted so as to avoid complexity of the drawing. A CPU 50takes control of the slot machine 2 in accordance with the game programstored in a ROM 51. On receiving an operation signal unrelated to theproceeding of the game, the CPU 50 makes the operation invalid. A coinsensor 52 provided behind the coin slot 8 outputs a coin-detectingsignal to the CPU 50 every time the coin sensor 52 detects insertion ofproper coins. Upon operation of the one-coin bet button 5 or themax-coin bet button 6, a bet signal is outputted from a bet signalgenerator 54. Based on this bet signal, the CPU 50 stores the number ofbet coins into a RAM 53 temporarily.

Upon operation of the start lever 4 for starting a game, a start signalgenerator 55 is driven to input a start signal to the CPU 50. Based onthe start signal, the CPU 50 outputs a lottery start signal to a randomnumber generator 56, in which a random number is sampled and outputtedto a first stop symbol determiner 57 and a motion display determiner 58.The first stop symbol determiner 57 refers to a first stop symboldetermine table 59 to determine the stop symbol of the first displaysections 15 a-15 i. The first stop symbol determine table 59 consists ofplural table data for the first display sections 15 a-15 i in each ofwhich random numbers are related with the symbols. The first stop symboldeterminer 57 reads address data of symbol images to display in thefirst display sections 15 a-15 i from a first symbol data memory 71, andstores it to the RAM 53.

The motion display determiner 58 refers to a motion display determinetable 60 to determine whether to display the symbol of each seconddisplay section 16 a-16 d in motion, and outputs result data to a secondstop symbol determiner 61 and a move symbol determiner 62 and storesresult data in the RAM 53. Based on the random number outputted from themotion display determiner 58, the second stop symbol determiner 61refers to a second stop symbol determine table 63 to determine the stopsymbol. The second stop symbol determine table 63 includes table data inwhich each symbol corresponds to the random number. This table data isprovided for each second display section 16 a-16 d. The second stopsymbol determiner 61 reads out the address information of stop symbolimage data from a second symbol data memory 76 and stores it into theRAM 53.

After determining the second display sections 16 a-16 d to displaysymbols in motion, the move symbol determiner 62 refers to a movedetermine table 64 to determine the movement of the second displaysections 16 a-16 d. The move determine table 64 consists of plural tabledata in which random numbers are allocated for every move frame number.Each table data corresponds to each of the second display section 16a-16 d. The movement of information of the second display sections 16a-16 d determined by the move symbol determiner 62 is temporarily storedinto the RAM 53.

After the stop symbol is determined, the CPU 50 activates a firstdisplay control IC 70. The first display control IC 70 successivelyreads out symbol image data from the first symbol data memory 71 andinputs it to the first display device 15. Consequently, rotation symbolsare displayed in each first display section 15 a-15 i. When reading outthe symbol image data of each first display section 15 a-15 i, the firstdisplay control IC 70 outputs the corresponding address information tothe CPU 50. As a result, the CPU 50 can distinguish the symbol displayedin the first display sections 15 a-15 i. In case the address informationin the RAM 53 corresponds with the address information from the firstdisplay control IC 70, the CPU 50 outputs a stop signal to the firstdisplay control IC 70 to display the stop symbol corresponding to theaddress information in the RAM 53. When the stop symbols are displayedin the first display device 15, the CPU 50 activates a second displaycontrol IC 75. The second display control IC 75 successively reads outsymbol image data from the second symbol data memory 76 and inputs it tothe second display sections 16 a-16 d. As a result, the symbols of thesecond display sections 16 a-16 d display the symbols in motion. Whenthe address information in the RAM 53 corresponds with the addressinformation from the second display control IC 75, the CPU 50 sends astop signal to the second display control IC 75 to display the symbol incorresponding second display sections 16 a-16 d.

When the move symbol determiner 62 determines to activate the movemechanism 20, a motor controller 80 sends pulse signals to the steppingmotor 36 via a driver 81 to drive the second display sections 16 a-16 d.As the movement of the second display sections 16 a-16 d for a pulsesignal is determined in advance, counters 82 count the number of pulsesignal in order to detect the positions of the second display sections16 a-16 d. After winning is judged by a winning determiner 85 (to beexplained later), the motor controller 80 drives the stepping motor 36in an opposite direction to move the moved second display sections 16a-16 d to the initial position.

The winning determiner 85 determines whether there is a winning symbolcombination or not in reference with the address information of the stopsymbols of the first display sections 15 a-15 i and the second displaysections 16 a-16 d respectively. When there is a winning symbolcombination, a winning signal indicating a winning type is outputted tothe CPU 50. The ROM 51 stores a dividend table corresponding the winningtype to the dividend coin amount, and a magnification table indicatingthe payout magnification corresponding to the bet number. Based on awinning signal from the winning determiner 85, the CPU 50 determines theamount of dividend coins. And based on the bet number stored in the RAM53, the CPU 50 determines a payout magnification. The CPU 50 refersthese dividend coin amount and the payout magnification to calculate theamount of the payout coin. A coin dispenser 89 is activated to pay outthe calculated number of coins to the coin saucer 9.

Based on the flow chart of FIG. 11, an operation of the slot machine asabove is explained. After inserting a predetermined number of coins fromthe coin slot 8, the one-coin bet button 5 or the max-coin bet button 6is depressed to bet. In response to the operation of the start lever 4,the CPU 50 activates the random number generator 56, which startssampling random numbers. One random number is sampled to be outputted tothe first stop symbol determiner 57 and the motion display determiner58. The first stop symbol determiner 57 compares the random number withthe first stop symbol determine table 59 so as to determine the stopsymbol of each first display section 15 a-15 i of the first displaydevice 15. The address information of the stop symbol image is stored inthe RAM 53.

The motion display determiner 58 compares the random number and themotion display determine table 60 to determine whether to display thesymbols in motion in each second display section 16 a-16 d of the seconddisplay device 16. Result data to indicate the second display sections16 a-16 d to display symbols in motion is stored in the RAM 53.

In case at least one of the second display section 16 a-16 d display thesymbols in motion, the second stop symbol determiner 61 compares therandom number with the second stop symbol determine table 63 todetermine the stop symbol. The address information of the stop symbol isstored in the RAM 53. Similarly, the move symbol determiner 62 refersthe random number and the move determine table 64 to determine the framenumber (including 0) of movement of the second display sections 16 a-16d.

Upon determining the stop symbol of the first display sections 15 a-15 iand the second display sections 16 a-16 d respectively, the CPU 50controls the first display control IC 70 to display the symbol in motionin each first display sections 15 a-15 i (see FIG. 12). As shown in FIG.13, in case the address information of the symbol image data in the RAM53 corresponds with the address information of the symbol imagedisplayed in the first display sections 15 a-15 i, the CPU 50 displaysthe corresponding symbol as the stop symbol at a random timing.Similarly, in case at least one of the second display sections 16 a-16 ddisplays the symbols in motion, the CPU 50 controls the second displaycontrol IC 75 to display the stop symbol in the corresponding seconddisplay sections 16 a-16 d at a random timing.

When display the symbols in motion is completed, the CPU 50 refers theRAM 53 to determine whether to move the second display sections 16 a-16d. In the event of moving at least one of the second display section 16a-16 d, the CPU 50 activates the motor controller 80, which givespredetermined amount of drive pulses to move the corresponding seconddisplay section 16 a-16 d to the determined position.

After the second display section 16 is moved, the winning determiner 85is activated to detect, the stop symbols of the first display sections15 a-15 i and the second display sections 16 a-16 d. Then, the winningdeterminer 85 determines whether there is a winning symbol combinationon any valid winning line.

In case there is a winning symbol combination on a valid winning line,the CPU 50 refers to the dividend table stored in the ROM 51 todetermine the amount of the dividend coin. Based on the dividend coinnumber stored in the RAM 53 and the payout magnification stored in theROM 51, the CPU 50 determines the amount of the payout coins andactivates the coin dispenser 89 to dispense the determined amount ofpayout coins to the coin saucer 9.

In case the second display sections 16 a-16 d do not display thesymbols, the win or the loss is determined based on the stop symbols ofonly the first display sections 15 a-15 i. In case the second displaysections 16 a-16 d do not move, the win or the loss is determined afterthe second display sections 16 a-16 d display the stop symbols. When thesecond display sections 16 a-16 d display the stop symbol, the starsymbol is displayed after the winning judgment. The second displaysections 16 a-16 d, which move from the initial position, return to theinitial position when the game finishes. As shown in FIG. 14, forinstance, when the second display sections 16 a-16 d do not displaysymbols in motion, but when the same symbols “2” are arranged on thevalid winning line 17 h, the player wins the game. Moreover, when thesame symbols are arranged on other winning lines, the player wins thegame. As shown in FIG. 15, however, when the same symbols are notarranged on any winning line, the player loses the game.

FIG. 16, 17 shows an example in which the second display section 16 ddisplays the symbols in motion. When the first display device 15displays stop symbols, there is no winning symbol combination on any ofthe valid winning lines formed by the first display sections 15 a-15 i.In FIG. 7, when the second display section 16 d displays the stop symbol“2”, the same symbols “2” are arranged as the winning symbol combinationon the winning line 17 k. As shown in FIG. 18, however, when the stopsymbol of the second display section 16 d is not the symbol “2”, theplayer loses the game. That is, even if the symbols of the first displaysection 15 a-15 i do not form a winning symbol combination, the playercan win the game according to the symbol combination of the firstdisplay sections 15 a-15 i and the second display sections 16 a-16 d.Therefore, it is possible to provide sufficient expectation of the win.

FIG. 19-21 shows an example in which the second display section 16 d ismoved. As shown in FIG. 19, when the first display sections 15 a-15 idisplay the stop symbols, there is no winning symbol combination on anywinning line. In FIG. 20, even when the second display section 16 ddisplays the stop symbol “1” after displaying the symbols in motion,there is no winning symbol combination. However, as shown in FIG. 21,when the second display section 16 d moves one frame, the same symbols“1” are arranged on the winning line 17 n so that the player wins thegame. When the second display section 16 d moves two or three frames,the player loses the game because the same symbols “1” are not arrangedon any of the winning lines. On the other hands, as shown in FIGS. 22,23, when the stop symbol of the second display section 16 d is not thesymbol “1”, there is no winning symbol combination on any winning lineseven if the second display section 16 d moves. Since the state ofdisplay changes according to the movement of the second display device,it is possible to provide more appealing to the player.

FIG. 24-26 shows an example in which two second display sections 16 a,16 d display symbols in motion and the stop symbols. As shown in FIG.24, same symbols are not arranged on any of the winning lines in thefirst display sections 15 a-15 i. Subsequently, the second displaysections 16 a, 16 d display the symbols in motion and then, display thestop symbols at a random timing. As shown in FIG. 25, same symbols arenot arranged on the winning line 17 i, which consists of the firstdisplay sections 15 a and 15 e and the second display section 16 a.Also, there is no winning symbol combination on the winning line 17 k,which consists of the first display sections 15 e and 15 g and thesecond display section 16 d.

Thereafter, the second display sections 16 a and 16 d move two framesand stop respectively. As shown in FIG. 26, when the symbols “7” arearranged on the winning line 17 s, which consists of the first displaysection 15 a and the second display sections 16 a, 16 d, the player winsthe game. Note that the player loses the game when the second displaysections 16 a, 16 d do not display the stop symbol “7” and move twoframes respectively. Similar to this, the player loses the game in casethe second display sections 16 a, 16 d display the stop symbol “7” butdo not move two frames respectively.

In an example shown in FIG. 27, the stop symbols of the second displaysections 16 a and 16 d are the symbols “1” and “7” respectively. In FIG.28, when the second display section 16 a moves three frames and thesecond display section 16 d moves two frames, the symbols “1” arearranged on the valid winning line 17 t, which consists of the firstdisplay sections 15 b and 15 d and the second display section 16 a. Itis the same in case three or four second display sections display thesymbols and move. Since the number of winning line changes as thesymbols of the second display sections 16 a-16 d display the symbols andmove, it is possible to increase the player's expectation for winning.Furthermore, such display pattern provides sufficient appeal to theplayer.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the LCD device isused for the first display device. It is also possible to arrange threemechanical reels in line or mechanical reels in a matrix. Likewise,although the second display device consists of the four LCD devices inthe present embodiment, mechanical reels can be used to display symbolsof the second display device.

It is also suitable to use a display device of dot matrix type usinglight-emitting element such as LED, a display device of seven-segmenttype, a CRT (cathode-ray tube), or an organic electro luminescence cell.In case the mechanical reel is used to display the symbol of the seconddisplay section, a light-emitting element such as LED may be provided onthe front periphery of the mechanical reel in order to illuminate thesymbol while the reel is rotating, before or after the rotation of thereel.

Although the first display section and the second display section areprovided separately in the above embodiment, it is possible to combinethem. For instance, as shown in FIG. 29, a first display area 87 and asecond display area 88 are provided on a display screen of a displaydevice 86, such as the LCD device and the CRT. The motion symbols andthe stop symbol are displayed in each display area. In this case, thesecond display area 88 can be moved simulately by changing display ofthe screen.

The above embodiment, the second display section is initially positionedon an extension of the diagonal line of the first display device.However, the second display section can be initially positioned on theright, left, top or bottom side of the first display device. Also theposition and the number of the second display device can be suitably setin consideration of the character of the game.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the second displaysection displays the stop symbol. Instead of this, the second displaysection may be moved before the first display section displays thesymbols in motion. Otherwise, the second display section may be movedwhile displaying the symbols of the first display section in motion. Inthe above embodiment, the second display section is moved in eitherhorizontal or vertical direction in the drawings. It is also possible,however, to move the second display section horizontal and verticaldirections, or around the first display device.

The present embodiment sets winning when a predetermined number of thesame symbols are arranged on a winning line. The winning symbolcombination is not limited to the above, but can be set appropriately.For instance, the player may win the game when four same symbols arearranged in block. In this case, new pattern of winning can be set whenthe second display section can be moved in both vertical and horizontaldirections. Moreover, the present embodiment refers to a single winningwhen the same symbols are arranged on a winning line. Also winning canbe obtained when the same symbols are arranged on plural winning lines.In such a case, coins are paid out for each winning symbol combination.

In the above embodiment, when the second display device displays thesymbols in motion, the star symbol is displayed in the second displaysection after the winning judgment. Instead, the stop symbol of thesecond display section can be used for the next game. In addition,although the second display sections are moved to the initial positionafter each game, it is possible to conduct the next game without movingthe second display section to the initial position.

In the above embodiment, the first display device displays the symbolsin motion by operating the bet button and the start lever in this order.It is not limited, but changeable in an appropriate manner. Forinstance, in case there is no bet button, a game starts automatically todisplay the symbols in motion by inserting a coin and operating thestart lever. The start time for displaying the symbol of the firstdisplay is not limited. Further, although the stop symbol is displayedautomatically in the above embodiment, a stop button to display the stopsymbol can be provided. Although the win or the loss is determinedaccording to the combination of the stop symbols after the displaysections stop displaying the symbols in motion, it is possible todetermine whether winning or not in advance upon operation of the startlever, for instance. Based on the result of winning judgment, the symbolcombination is displayed. Upon winning or REACH (ready-for-winning)state, special effects by illumination or audio can appeal to the gameplayer. In the above embodiment, the move mechanism consists of thecarrier and the belt-drive type carrier driver that has the steppingmotor, the pulley, and the belt. Instead, it is possible to apply acarrier driver having a gear mechanism with plural gears, a linkmechanism with a cam and a link, a mechanism with a solenoid, or aspline mechanism. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicableto a pachinko machine, and other game machines as well.

As shown in FIG. 30, a pachinko machine 90 as another embodiment of thepresent invention has a first display device 93 and second displaysections 94 a-94 d of a second display device that are incorporatedbehind a display window 92 formed at the center of a game board 91. Whena predetermined condition, such as the condition in which a Pachinkoball enters a specific winning slot among the plural winning slots 95 issatisfied, the first display device 93 displays the symbols in motionand the stop symbol. After the first display sections display the stopsymbols, at least one of the second display sections 94 a-94 d displaysthe symbols in motion and thereafter displays the stop symbol. In somecases, at least one of the second display sections 94 a-94 d is moved bya move mechanism (not shown). When the same stop symbols are arranged ona valid winning line, the player gets a jackpot. In the jackpot, thepachinko machine 90 repeats the operation for a fixed time to open anattacker 96 for a fixed period and close the attacker 96. Once thepachinko ball enters into the attacker 96, a great amount of pachinkoballs are paid out. Since the number of winning line changes as thesecond display sections 94 a-94 d display the symbols or move. Theplayer can have expectation to the winning. Moreover, changing thedisplay pattern provides sufficient excitement to the player. Accordingto the pachinko machine, the win or the loss is determined when apredetermined condition is satisfied. Based on the result of winningjudgment, the stop symbol of the first display device 93 and themovement and the stop symbol of the second display section isdetermined. And finally the first display device 93 displays the symbolsin motion.

Although the present invention has been fully described by the way ofthe preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to thosehaving skill in this field. Therefore, unless otherwise these changesand modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, theyshould be construed as included therein.

1. A game machine comprising: a first display device having plural firstdisplay sections to display symbols in motion and to display a stopsymbol; a second display device having at least one second displaysection to display said symbols in motion and to display said stopsymbol; a move device for moving said second display section around saidfirst display device; and a winning determine section for determiningthe win or the loss based on the combinations of said stop symbols onwinning lines, said winning line comprising a first line consisting ofsaid first display sections being arranged in line and a second lineconsisting of said first display sections and said second displaysection in line.
 2. A game machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidfirst display sections are arranged in a matrix.
 3. A game machine asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising a rotation display determinesection for determining whether to display said symbols of said seconddisplay section in motion.
 4. A game machine as claimed in claim 1, saidmove device comprising: a holder; a drive motor attached to one end ofsaid holder; a first pulley attached to a drive shaft of said drivemotor; a second pulley attached to other end of said holder; and a beltwound around said first pulley and said second pulley, said seconddisplay section being attached to said belt.
 5. A game machine asclaimed in claim 4, further comprising: a move position determinesection for determining the position of movement of said second displaysection; and means for detecting the position of movement of said seconddisplay section based on the number of pulse signal outputting to saiddrive motor.
 6. A game machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidsecond display section is movable in a first direction along said firstdisplay device and a second direction opposite to said first direction.7. A game machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first displaysection is composed of a LCD device or a mechanical reel.
 8. A gamemachine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second display section iscomposed of a LCD device or a mechanical reel.
 9. A game machinecomprising: a display device having plural first display areas todisplay symbols in motion and to display a stop symbol and at least onesecond display area, said second display area moving along said firstdisplay areas; and a winning determine section for determining the winor the loss based on the combinations of said stop symbols on winninglines, said winning line comprising a first line consisting of saidfirst display areas being arranged in line and a second line consistingof said first display areas and said second display area in line.
 10. Agame machine as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a rotationdisplay determine section for determining whether to display saidsymbols of each second display area in motion.
 11. A game machine asclaimed in claim 9, further comprising a move position determine sectionfor determining the position of movement of said second display area.